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The weeks leading up to May 29, 2024, did not provide the usual anticipation of festivity commemorating the Democracy Day celebration for Nigerians. The celebration had been shifted during the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to June 12 in honour of M.K.O Abiola, the supposed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This time, rumours swirled across Nigeria that the national anthem might be changed. These whispers of a return to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” were met with scepticism and intrigue.
Many Nigerians found it hard to believe that such a significant part of their national identity could be altered while the nation battles with more critical socio-economic situations. However, they realised there was no turning back when the nation awoke to a surprising reality on the morning of May 29: The rumours were true. The current president, Bola Tinubu, had signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, and Nigeria’s national anthem was officially reverted to its post-Independence Day form.
Previously, Nigeria’s national anthem was “Arise, O Compatriots,” adopted in 1978—the 46-year-old anthem, composed by five individuals– John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui, and P.O. Aderibigbe– served as a call for national unity, patriotism, and collective efforts toward building a greater nation following the horror of the three-year Civil War that ended in 1970. Before “Arise, O Compatriots,” the original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was used from independence in 1960 until 1978. This anthem, composed by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, who are both British expatriates, reflected the pride and optimism of the nation during its early post-independence years.
The Lyrics
Here are the lyrics to the newly adopted anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee:”
“`
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honoured,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
“`
Trailing reactions
The legislative process for the change began in May 2024 when the bill was introduced and quickly gained traction in both houses of the National Assembly. Lawmakers emphasised the importance of reconnecting with the country’s historical and cultural heritage. It passed the first and second reading on May 23, 2024, after the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, put it to vote and referred it to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters and Internal Affairs for further legislative action. However, the President’s immediate approval –a day after it passed the third reading at the National Assembly– raised co, despite the constitutional provision of 30 days for consideration before consent.
Within the lawmakers, the change is depicted as long overdue as they claimed the 46-year-old anthem does not reflect the brotherhood spirit needed for national stability amidst current worrying crises. The national anthem is, therefore, seen as a move to reinforce a sense of national identity and pride.
However, many have expressed concerns regarding the costs and logistics involved in the transition, arguing that resources could have been better utilised elsewhere and the change’s relevance at such a precarious time. One of the foremost reception it has received on social media is that it presents the government’s misplaced priority in full glare. This sentiment was shared by many, including prominent Nigerians like Reno Omokri and Oby Ezekwesili. However, the international community has been silent since the bill was passed.
The government has initiated educational campaigns to familiarise citizens with its lyrics and significance to ensure the new anthem is widely known and appreciated. The National Orientation Agency’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has instructed all 774 Local Governments Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers to commit the newly signed National Anthem to memory by Monday, June 3, 2024, according to the statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press, Paul Odeniyi, as part of efforts to put all hands on deck for the seamless transition to the new anthem into their daily routines. The anthem has been adopted for subsequent official events, including sporting events and international engagements after Mr Tinubu’s appearance at the National Assembly on May 29, 2024, where the new anthem was played.
Conclusion
The decision to change the national anthem followed legal proceedings and due protocol, although the hurried implementation without extensive public engagement and potential divisiveness of the new anthem’s language has fueled discontent and scepticism among the populace.
